Mahabaleshwar
is known for its "points", from which a person can stand and enjoy the
entire scenery. There are around 30 valley view points spread around
the hill stations , these are excellent areas for leisurely walks and to
enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty. The following are a
must:

Mahabaleshwar

This popular hill station takes its name from God 'Mahabali'.
Mahabaleshwar is blessed with spectacular views of the valleys and
forests. The word 'Mahabaleshwar' is Sanskrit word, which
means 'God of Great Power'. Mahabaleshwar is the largest hill
station in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra state. Mahabaleshwar has an
altitude of 1438 m (4710 ft) at the Wilson or generally called Sunrise
Point.

Due to its high altitude, the town has a cool climate and offers
many pleasant walks. There are several lookout points which offer
spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. There is an old
Shiva temple in the forest, which is the source of five rivers,
including the Krishna river which is the second longest river of
peninsular India.Its very good place to visit. Mahabaleshwar is visited
by many thousands of tourists every year. It is well connected by bus
with the important towns of the region. There are numerous hotels for
every budget. The peak season is March-May; it rains very heavily from
June to September.

Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing

Mahabaleswhar offers some of the exotic locales that
make the spectators spellbound. It is naturally bestowed with so many
fascinating beauty spots that offer one with stunning panorama of
nature. There are numerous points that overlook the dazzling valleys and
deep forests, and majestic peaks.

Mahabaleshwar is known for its "points", from which a
person can stand and enjoy the entire scenery. There are around 30
valley view points spread around the hill stations , these are excellent
areas for leisurely walks and to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty.
All points provide unique view to the tourists.

Arthur Seat (12 Km) : Arthurís seat point is an exotic and
picturesque spot , overlooking the Konkan. This is supposed to be the
source of the five Deccan rivers Ė viz, Krishna, Koyna, Veena, Savitri &
Gayatri.

Babington Point (3 Km) : Height 1295 m. Another point which close to
the bazaar. One can have a beautiful view of Saddleback and the Koyna
Valley.

Bombay Point (3 Km) : A very popular sunset point. One can get a
glimpse of the Sahyadri mountains ,the Koyna valley & Pratapgarh.

Connaught Peak : The second highest point . Presents a panoramic
view of the valley like a green carpet. You can see sunrise as well as
the sunset from this point.

Chinamanís Waterfalls (4 Km) : It can be reached by the Carviali
Road.

Dhobi Water Fall : The fall is on the path connecting Lodwick point
to Elphinstone Point.

Helenís Point : River Solshi starts from this point with a small
fall near her origin.

Elphinston Point (10 Km) : A favorite picnic spot, Elphinston Point,
named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Elphinston, was discovered by
Dr.Murray in 1830.

Hunter Point (4 Km) : Hunterís point approached from Old
Mahabaleshwar Road, gives a picturesque view of the Koyna Valley.

Pratapgadh (24 Km) : Pratapgadh (900 meters) was one of the most
formidable forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The famous temple of
Goddess Bhavani is on the eastern side of the lower fort.

Old Mahabaleshwar (5 Km) : it has an ancient temples of Krishnabai.

Transport
: How To Reach Mahabaleshwar ?

By Road :
From Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is 285 km (via Pune route) and the distance
is about 247 km (via Mahad route). There are regular state-operated
buses that travel to Mahabaleshwar from the nearby cities of Pune and
Mumbai. Private tour operators also provide various luxury/ non-luxury,
AC/Non-AC, Deluxe and Volvo buses and other vehicles to and from
Mahabaleshwar.

You can even drive your own vehicle to Mahabaleshwar,
enjoying its idyllic beauty, as the roads are excellent. It takes around
5 hrs to reach Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai by road. Mahabaleshwar is
connected by the National Highway 4. Bus services by state-run MSRTC and
private organizations connect it by buses from Pune, Mumbai, Sangli and
Satara.

By Rail :
The nearest railhead from Mahabaleshwar is Wather, located at a distance
of 62 km from the city. But if you choose to travel to Mahabaleshwar by
train, the Pune railhead, located at a distance of 120 km, is
comparatively more convenient than the Wather station, because of its
better connectivity to Mahabaleshwar. People traveling by train can get
down at the Pune railway station to reach Mahabaleshwar. Private tour
operators provide buses, mini-buses, taxis, etc, which are easily
available for tourists outside the Pune station. One can also avail the
state-operated buses that shuttle between Pune and Mahabaleshwar.

By Air :
Pune, located at a distance of 120 km is the nearest airport. If you
plan to travel to Mahabaleshwar by air, you can board a flight till Pune,
and then easily avail a bus, taxi or a private car from the Pune
airport. The airport has various facilities within its premises for
tourists traveling to the place. State operated buses are also easily
available from Pune. Even private tour-operators provide luxury/ non-
luxury bus services to Mahabaleshwar. You can even hire a vehicle of
your choice from the airport, for the entire duration of your stay. Chhatrapati
Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai is 270 km away.

Mahabaleshwar is known for its "points", from which a
person can stand and enjoy the entire scenery. There are around 30
valley view points spread around the hill stations , these are excellent
areas for leisurely walks and to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty.
All points provide unique view to the tourists.